Suzuki close Sepang test at the top of the timesheets

Suzuki close Sepang test at the top of the timesheets

Carrying on from yesterday, Rizla Suzuki once again had the two fastest riders in their ranks on the third and final day of MotoGP testing in Sepang. John Hopkins led the line with a time of 2'01.64, ahead of team-mate Chris Vermeulen. With the two getting onboard the GSV-R 800cc for the first time earlier this month in Valencia, Rizla Suzuki look to have developed a competitive machine in these early stages of development.

Hopkins was pleased with the performance in Malaysia, commenting that "We are very happy with the results, and so far it's been the best preseason we've had in MotoGP."
Hopkins, Colin Edwards (who finished third fastest after testing out a new chassis) and Makoto Tamada all concluded their testing at midday after completing bike and tyre analysis. In the afternoon, the field was narrowed down to the Honda riders and Suzuki duo Chris Vermeulen and Nobuatsu Aoki. Kawasaki were notable absentees after Olivier Jacque's 800cc debut yesterday, with the technical team opting to sit out the day's action after discovering mechanical problems on the 2007 Ninja.
Two hours before the end of the session, a sharp thunderstorm was enough to persuade the satisfied Rizla Suzuki and Honda LCR teams to pack up their garages, whilst Nicky Hayden and Toni Elias used the opportunity to test out the RC212V in wet conditions.
Sepang Test– Day 3
Unofficial Times
1. John Hopkins – Rizla Suzuki 2'01.64 – 54 laps
2. Chris Vermeulen – Rizla Suzuki 2'02.0 – 51
3. Colin Edwards – Camel Yamaha 2'02.43 – 32
4. Nicky Hayden – Repsol Honda 2'03.28 - 87
5. Makoto Tamada – Yamaha Tech3 2'03.36 - 36
6. Toni Elías – Honda Gresini Racing 2'03.55 - 65
7. Carlos Checa – Honda LCR 2'04.27 - 70
8. Tady Okada – HRC 2'04.44 - 65